Knight averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds through 29 games last season and is averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds this season.

Monroe's points and rebounds are down slightly, but he's averaging nearly one assist more per game.

He came out of college with the reputation as a great passing big man and Detroit has started to run more of the offense through him.

"Greg is such a skilled guy that's he not just able to score, but he's able to find open teammates plus put the ball on the floor and create some advantage situations," Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said.

Knight's numbers are up across the board, but remember Knight didn't start the first six games last season.

Knight has been up and down this season just like he was as a rookie last season. Ups and downs should be expected with a 21-year-old point guard, but Knight looks to be on the right track, he's averaging 17.1 points in the month of December after averaging 12.8 in November.

Monroe and Knight have both shown some improvement, which leads you to believe the team is making progress. But are the Pistons any closer to knowing what they have in the two?

Can Monroe and Knight lead the Pistons to a championship one day?

The answer to that question still remains as up in the air as it did through 29 games last season.

Detroit still seems to lack that "superstar" who can carry them when times get tough. Is Monroe, Knight or even Drummond going to develop into that guy one day is a pivotal question for the Pistons.

Monroe (22), Knight (21) and Drummond (19) are a solid core to build on, but what do they need to accomplish the rest of this season to show the team is making progress?

After the 8-21 start last season, Detroit's winning percentage was .447 the rest of the way. To improve on that, the Pistons would have to go 24-29 in the final 53 games this season.

To go 24-29 the rest of the way, Monroe, Knight and Drummond are going to have to continue to improve.

Wins are the ultimate sign of progress, but nobody is going to confuse Detroit with a title contender just yet so the progress of the Pistons young players is more paramount.

But it would be nice for their confidence to see a few more wins.

Dave Pemberton covers the Pistons for The Oakland Press and email him at dave.pemberton@oakpress.com and follow him on Twitter @drpemberton.